“Yeah, no issues there. I handed in my textbooks, and they had my transcripts ready to go. No one seemed to know about my leaving. They were probably too excited about spring break. I was relieved walking out at the end of the day.”
She smiles kindly. “That’s understandable. It’s been an unhappy place. Hopefully, a fresh start at a new school will make things easier. How did meeting Zander go?”
We discuss my shaky nerves and all my interactions with Zander, including how he took a tour and hugged both ladies. “I take it you told him I didn’t want to be touched?”
“I did, yes. I'm glad he listened.” Approval is clear in her tone.
“Sarah, he told Jake he’d take care of our girl,” I relay, still in awe of that statement.
“Summer, that’s wonderful. He really cares about you. I’m so happy you have him in your life now.”
Rubbing my tired eyes, I continue. “I got the impression he was a bit of a goofball when we first talked, and it seems I was right. He was being dramatic to lighten the mood again today.”
“That’s a good thing, Summer. You could use some lightheartedness in your life. Any plans with him for the rest of the weekend?”
“Yeah, he’s gonna text after his meeting with Mary in the morning. I think he sensed I was overwhelmed at the care facility, so he excused himself to his hotel after we visited Jake.”
“I think you’re in excellent hands with him, Summer. He was very engaged when we spoke, asking a lot of questions and taking notes. He wants this to work,” she says. “Is there anything else you want to talk about tonight with me?”
“No, I just need to decompress a bit. I feel like I’m on the edge of my seat non-stop right now.”
“I understand how you could feel that way. There are a lot of changes happening right now. You’re doing really well, Summer.You’ve handled everything that has happened. Just keep breathing and remember our motto: one moment at a time.”
“I will. Thanks Sarah. I’d be lost without you.”
“I appreciate that, but you’ve always been strong on your own, Summer,” she says. “I’ll let you go so you can relax this evening. Say hi to Sue for me, okay?”
“Will do, bye,” I wave and hit end. I clomp downstairs with little energy to wait for the pizza with Sue. “Sarah said to say hi Sue. She got a text from Zander with my new phone number.”
“He sent the text to me and Mal, too. He’s a thoughtful one, that man.” She looks at me with a contemplative expression. “Sweetheart, even though I’ll miss having you here, I believe you’ll find happiness with Zander. Maybe moving will offer a fresh start.”
“Mal said the same thing to me.” I’m not sure I believe that, but it’s a nice sentiment. I can’t imagine more changes bringing happiness, but I guess we’ll see.
“She might be onto something there,” she tells me just as the doorbell rings. “Grab plates and napkins, please.” Sue gets up, heading to the front door.
We settle on the couch with our pizza and watch the Food Network while we eat. I get up and grab us each a tub of ice cream when the Spring Baking Championship comes on.
“Grab my notebook and pen too, sweetheart. They might make something good tonight.”
I smile at her, but can’t complain. I’ve been enjoying her baking since the first day I moved in here.
Chapter 11
I’m washing the breakfast dishes early the next morning when there’s a knock on the door. Drying my hands on the dish towel, I walk over and open it to find Mary and Zander. Yikes, I haven’t brushed my hair yet, but at least I’m dressed. “Good morning.”
“Hello Summer. I’m here for my last official visit as your caseworker,” Mary tells me.
I raise my eyebrows at her. That’s news to me. “Okay?”
“I’m sure I mentioned it to you or Sue,” she replies as I move out of the way for them to come in. I look over at Zander, but he just shakes his head, frowning at Mary.
Sue must have heard the voices echoing down the hall from her office as she joins us. “Oh, this is a surprise. Hello Mary. Hi Zander. What brings you by?”
“I’m sure I mentioned our final meeting now that Zander has signed all the paperwork.” Mary purses her lips, annoyed we weren’t expecting her.
Sue looks over at me, but I just shake my head no, so she plasters on a smile. “Would anyone like a drink?”
“We’re fine, Sue, thank you,” Zander says as he takes a seat at the table with Mary. Sue and I grab the remaining two chairs.
